Though the Americans have been made favourites to lift the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits this year, there are several good reasons to vouch for the Europeans on foreign soil:
Jon Rahm has proven himself to be the best player in the world and comes into this year’s Ryder Cup tournament in great form and is the current US Open champion & PGA of America Player of the Year. Plus, after defeating the legendary Tiger Woods at the last Ryder Cup tournament in France, it’s unlikely any American will look forward to being paired with Rahm in a matchplay situation.
Along with Rahm, Rory McIlroy is back in form, having placed in the top 15 four times in his last five competitive outings. Though still young in golfing terms, this will be McIllroy’s fifth Ryder Cup tournament and his experience and nous could prove vital for the European team.
McIlroy, Rahm, and co. will look to defeat Team US on their own putting greens at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin. Home course advantage traditionally proves valuable to a successful Ryder Cup-winning team. However, Whistling Straits has a very European feel to it and the course itself is yet to have an American winner on the tour. It does, however, boast one European winner in Martin Kaymer who is one of Padraig Harrington’s vice-captains at this year’s tournament.
Finally, form – Europe has won seven of the last 10 Ryder Cup meets. In any other sport, this would make Harrington and co. outright favorites. There’s no doubting the talent on the American team, but many a pro-gambler would tell you never to discount form.
